U.S. Numbered Highway System

Explore the U.S. Numbered Highway System—historic routes, major corridors, and scenic roads connecting every region of the country. Learn more about U.S. Highways across America.

The U.S. Numbered Highway System—often referred to as U.S. Routes or U.S. Highways—is a nationwide network of roads established in 1926 to improve long-distance automobile travel across the United States. Unlike the Interstate system, U.S. Highways predate freeways and often serve as main streets, scenic byways, or vital connectors through rural and urban communities alike. Many historic routes, including iconic roads like U.S. Route 66, trace their roots to this enduring network.

These highways use a grid system for numbering: odd-numbered routes run north–south, increasing from east to west, while even-numbered routes run east–west, increasing from north to south. Important cross-country highways typically end in “0” or “1” (like US 20 or US 1), and three-digit offshoots usually indicate spurs or loops branching from mainline routes.

Today, the U.S. Highway system continues to evolve—some segments have been decommissioned, realigned, or upgraded to freeways—but many routes remain essential for regional travel, trucking, and scenic exploration. This category explores the entire U.S. Numbered Highway network, from coast to coast and border to border.

Discover U.S. Routes

U.S. Highway 550: Ouray to Montrose – Colorado

U.S. Highway 550: Ouray to Montrose – Colorado

Cruise 34 miles north along U.S. Highway 550 from Ouray to Montrose, Colorado, passing through scenic mountain canyons, Ridgway State Park, and wide ranching valleys on this classic Western Slope route.

U.S. Highway 71: Bella Vista Arkansas to Pineville Missouri

U.S. Highway 71: Bella Vista Arkansas to Pineville Missouri

Drive 22 miles north along Interstate 49 from Bella Vista, Arkansas to Pineville, Missouri, tracing the modern upgrade of the historic U.S. Highway 71 route through the Ozark foothills. Discover smooth bypasses, quick travel, and local attractions along the way.

U.S. Highway 62: Prairie Grove to Summers – Arkansas

U.S. Highway 62: Prairie Grove to Summers – Arkansas

Cruise 10 miles west on U.S. Highway 62 from Prairie Grove to Summers, Arkansas. Experience the small-town charm of Lincoln, scenic farmland, and rural Ozark landscapes on this pleasant stretch of northwest Arkansas highway.

U.S. Highway 70: Lakeland to Memphis – Tennessee

U.S. Highway 70: Lakeland to Memphis – Tennessee

Cruise U.S. Highway 70 for 13 miles from Lakeland into the heart of Memphis, Tennessee. Experience suburban Bartlett, the bustling Wolfchase area, and the vintage charm of Summer Avenue, all the way to the I-40 interchange.

U.S. Highway 70: Bruceton to Jackson – Tennessee

U.S. Highway 70: Bruceton to Jackson – Tennessee

Cruise 40 miles along U.S. Highway 70 from Bruceton to Jackson, Tennessee — a classic stretch of the historic Broadway of America, passing farmland, small towns, and local recreation spots before connecting to I-40.

U.S. Highway 70: Dickson to Bruceton – Tennessee

U.S. Highway 70: Dickson to Bruceton – Tennessee

Cruise 52 miles along U.S. Highway 70 from Dickson to Bruceton, Tennessee, through forested backroads, farmland, and historic small towns — including a river crossing and a glimpse of Loretta Lynn’s hometown.

U.S. Highway 70: Nashville to Dickson – Tennessee

U.S. Highway 70: Nashville to Dickson – Tennessee

Cruise 30 miles west along U.S. Highway 70 from Nashville to Dickson, Tennessee. This classic stretch links suburban neighborhoods, river bends, and the forested edge of Montgomery Bell State Park, blending small-town stops with scenic countryside.

U.S. Highway 70 West: Nashville – Tennessee

U.S. Highway 70 West: Nashville – Tennessee

Cruise through Nashville along U.S. Highway 70 West — from Donelson through downtown’s iconic Broadway and out to Charlotte Park. This 17-mile urban stretch covers music history, city life, and a glimpse of local neighborhoods, offering an easy alternative to inters…

U.S. Highway 64: Memphis to Bolivar – Tennessee

U.S. Highway 64: Memphis to Bolivar – Tennessee

Cruise east for 45 miles on U.S. Highway 64 from Memphis to Bolivar, Tennessee. This drive blends suburban sprawl, small-town stops, and open farmland — a relaxing snapshot of southwest Tennessee.